WP Builds

On the podcast today we have Daniela Soibelman from Elementor, but we're not talking about the Page Builder, we're talking about a new plugin for website accessibility. It's called Ally, and it's a new web accessibility plugin. Daniela explains her journey at Elementor, the inspiration behind Ally, and how the plugin helps WordPress users create more accessible websites with features like usability widgets, compliance statements, and future plans for AI-powered accessibility scans and remediation. Ally works with any WordPress site, not just Elementor-built pages, aiming to make web accessibility simpler and more achievable for everyone. Whether you’re running a small blog or managing sites for clients, this episode will help you understand not just what Ally offers right now, but where it’s headed, making accessibility a shared, achievable goal for everyone working on the web.

Ben Sibley, creator of Independent Analytics and founder of Compete Themes, partners with Andrew Mead, co-creator of the privacy-friendly analytics plugin. They discuss how independent analytics can offer a GDPR-compliant alternative to Google Analytics, emphasizing data privacy and user convenience. Listeners learn about the tool's easy integration with WordPress, its user-friendly dashboard, and the importance of keeping visitor data secure. The duo shares insights on future enhancements and the commitment to a transparent, privacy-first approach in analytics.

Steve Burge, the founder of PublishPress and a WordPress expert, joins Jesse Friedman, head of WP Cloud at Automattic, to dive into the exciting world of WordPress. They discuss AI's influence on job security in creative fields and the implications for authenticity. The duo celebrates the milestone of over one million users for popular plugins while introducing a new WordPress-centric cloud solution. They also highlight community initiatives like free websites for underrepresented groups and upcoming events in the WordPress ecosystem.

In this chat, veteran podcaster Bob Dunn shares his fascinating journey from radio addiction to the vibrant world of podcasting. He discusses the evolution of podcasting technology and the importance of accessible tools for creators. Bob dives into the shift from single-host formats to managing a collaborative approach with multiple shows. He also highlights the integration of AI in content creation, showcasing tools that streamline workflows. Whether you're a seasoned podcaster or just starting out, Bob's insights provide inspiration and practical advice.

The WordPress news from the last week which commenced Monday 9th June 2025. Join Nathan Wrigley, Remkus de Vries, Piccia Neri, Tim Nash as we chat about the WordPress news from the previous week. We dive into the launch of FAIR, a new decentralised package manager that could shift plugin distribution away from WordPress.org. The panel also discusses the formation of an official WordPress AI team, what it could mean for the project, and recaps highlights from WordCamp Europe. Other topics include new plugin releases like FluentCart (a WooCommerce competitor) and user experience improvements, along with updates on various speaker projects. The tone is lively, oh and there's pictures of Mark Westguard on a phone!

Brad Williams, a key figure in the WordPress community and co-founder of WebDev Studios, discusses his exciting new tool, Theme Switcher Pro. This innovative plugin allows users to manage multiple themes on a single site, simplifying transitions between the classic and block editors. Brad dives into real-world applications, addressing challenges in theme management for various platforms. He also highlights the importance of community trust and shares insights on premium pricing strategies for WordPress tools. Tune in for a blend of product innovation and business acumen!

In this episode of the WP Builds podcast, Nathan Wrigley and Rae Morey recap major WordPress news from the past quarter. They discuss key events like PressConf, CloudFest, WordCamp Asia, and the new altctrl.org event. Highlights include changes to Oxygen and Elementor page builders, plugin and hosting acquisitions, the launch of StellarSites, diversity challenges in WordPress leadership, the shift to one major WordPress release per year, AI-powered tools, accessibility debates, and the reinstatement of previously banned community members. If you're curious to know what's been happening in the WordPress space over the lsat few months, this episode is for you.

In "This Week in WordPress #335," Nathan Wrigley is joined by Tim Nash, Tammie Lister, and Piccia Neri to discuss rebuilding trust in the WordPress community, recent reforms proposed by Executive Director Mary Hubbard, and comparisons between WordPress and Drupal governance. The panel dives into the surge of plugin submissions, largely fueled by AI-generated plugins, and the challenges this poses for moderation and quality control. They also touch on accessibility initiatives, the importance of kindness in community interactions, and showcase new and interesting WordPress blocks and tools.

In this episode, I chat with Zach Hendershot about Miruni, an AI-powered tool designed to streamline edit requests for WordPress agencies. Miruni lets clients mark up website changes via screenshots, then uses AI to automate most updates. Agencies just review and approve. Zach explains how Miruni handles various content types, including Elementor, and upcoming features like video and audio requests. We also discuss Miruni’s simple SaaS pricing model, its focus on saving agencies significant time, and the importance of keeping humans in the approval loop for quality control. If you're an agency and could do with saving a little bit of time with your client requests, perhaps Miruni is worth a look?